Schoolchildren celebrate Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday with stunning gesture
Hundreds of Melton Mowbray schoolchildren formed a giant ‘100’ today (Friday) to mark the milestone birthday of legendary natural historian and broadcaster, Sir David Attenborough.
The striking gesture was made by pupils at Sherard Primary School and Pre-School with a spectacular drone image captured by Grace Croxall, of Vision House Films.
Sir David grew up in Leicestershire, where he developed his love for nature and conservation before going on to make ground-breaking television programmes such as Life on Earth and Blue Planet.
Head teacher Helena Blumfield said pupils came together for Sir David to make ‘a special tribute recognising his extraordinary contribution to the natural world and environmental education’.
To mark his landmark birthday, all 446 children took part in creating a giant ‘100’ on the school field and they also created a celebratory video featuring pupils sharing messages about Sir David’s life’s work, his passion for wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting the planet for future generations.
Jessica Watson, assistant head and special educational needs co-ordinator at Sherard School, said: “Sir David Attenborough has inspired generations of children and adults to appreciate and protect the natural world.
"We wanted to celebrate not only his 100th birthday, but also the lasting legacy he continues to create through education, conservation and storytelling.”
Throughout the day, children also explored themes linked to nature, biodiversity and sustainability, reflecting on the impact Sir David has had in inspiring people around the world to care for the environment.
You can watch a 90-minute special on Sir David’s life tonight on BBC1 at 8.30pm, filmed at the Royal Albert Hall.